When the party's over

I was reading the Sunday Times and was about to give the lifestyle section a miss when I chanced upon this article.
It related very much to my present plight and I'm just more than glad my determination to finish my papers paid off. (:

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The post-holiday blues syndrome that hits some people could develop into a more serious problem if it is not dealt with

It is the time of the year when the luggage bags are back in cold storage, the Christmas decorations come down, and champagne-soaked confetti is swept off the floor.

In other words, tomorrow is the Mother of all Monday Blues.

No matter how much you love your job, there will be a part of you that feels reluctant to dive back into it after the Christmas-New Year partying.

This is known as the post-holiday blues syndrome.
While it is not really a clinical condition, it does affect one's emotional well-being and can also contribute to existing conditions such as anxiety and stress or worse, develop into more serious problems.

Experts say cases of depression usually increase by up to 10 per cent during the year-end period.

Mr Matthew Woo, a psychologist from the Institute of Mental Health, says that this is when many people take stock of what they have done and post-holiday blues may take root in those who realise they have accomplised nothing in the past year.

For others, just getting back into the monotony of work after a long break is unsettling.

Mr Daniel Koh, a psychologist says:" People may start feeling anxious about tackling the build-up of work. The excitement, joy and fun is over, and it's back to battling the stress and pressure from family, work or society. It's like being on top of the world for a while, then going back to one's normal routine after."



Beat the Blues

• Get some exercise. Exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural feel-good drug.

• Distract yourself. Do some volunteer or charity work. Sign up for activities and classes so you will not feel listless and unfulfilled.

• Get back into your routine slowly and streadily. Tackle your in-tray or e-mail inbox one at a time. Take breaks and, if possible, go light on your first day back at work.

• Plan something enjoyable with friends or family, so you have something to look forward to.

• Spend time with people to avoid being bored or lonely.

• Set positive and realistic goals for the new year instead of far-fetched ones.

• Look at your photographs or souvenirs to remind yourself of your holiday and aim to make the next one better

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An article I thought was nice to share.


Let's charge for a better 2009 friends!







Signing off with much love,
Rin aka Singing